Tauranga

City in New Zealand, Oceania

Tauranga

With endless sunshine, to-die-for beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle, Tauranga is the perfect beach getaway if
you still need a good barista coffee in the mornings.

Geography

Tucked away in the north-western
corner of the Bay of Plenty region of the
North Island of New Zealand, Tauranga is the fifth largest city in New Zealand. The
city is overlooked by the extinct volcano of Mauao (Mount Maunganui).

History

The region was settled by the indigenous Maori in the late 13th century, with leader Tamatea
captaining the canoe Takitimu as it arrived near Mount Maunganui. Control of the region was fought for between
different tribes over many centuries. European settlers arrived in the early 19th century, including many businessmen
trading in flax. Tauranga did not escape the New Zealand Wars , waged between the New Zealand government and indigenous Maori in the mid-1800s. The Battle
of Gate Pa was an attack on a fortress and its Maori defenders on 29 April 1864 by British forces. It was the
single most devastating loss of life suffered by the British military during the New Zealand Wars, resulting in 31
British and 25 Maori casualties.

From the 1910s, the population grew as the dairy industry developed in
neighboring districts. Growth was further fostered in the later twentieth century by horticulture - in particular
kiwifruit growing - in surrounding district and by the lifestyle appeal of the town.

Attractions

The Strand

The Strand waterfront area is modern and always buzzing.
Home to a number of cafés, restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and accommodation options, The Strand is the life of the
central city.

Mount Maunganui

The beachside suburb of Mount Maunganui is a mecca for beachgoers
and holidaymakers in summer months, swelling the population of Tauranga significantly. New Year celebrations in Mount
Maunganui are one of New Zealand's biggest events to see in the New Year. Mount Maunganui is the best beach in Tauranga,
where you can swim, sunbathe or even take surf lessons. The waves are suitable for all levels, including beginners.

Tauranga Art Gallery

Opening in 2007, the Art Gallery showcases local, national and
international exhibitions. Home to historic and contemporary art, it has a permanent collection as well as frequently
changing local and visiting exhibitions. Located on the corner of Wharf Street and Willow Street,
opening hours are 10am - 4:30pm. Admission is free.

Minden Lookout

Ten kilometers west of
Tauranga lies the Minden Lookout, which gives a stunning view over Tauranga harbor and the Bay of Plenty. To
get there, take State Highway 2 to Te Puna, turn onto Minden Road, and continue along for three
kilometers.

Elms Mission House

Elms Mission House is the oldest building in the Bay of
Plenty, built in 1847. Furnished in the style from the period, the house provides a glimpse into the area's colonial
past. Located on Mission Street, opening hours are 2-4pm Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is 5 NZD for
adults, and 50 cents for children. The Mission's gardens are open daily 9am - 5pm, and admission is free.

Tauranga Harbour

In Tauranga, you are never far from the water. A scenic cruise of the harbor is a great way
to see the city and its surroundings from the water. Kewpie Cruises has a one hour cruise costing 20 NZD for
adults and 15 NZD for 12 - 17 year olds. Under 12s are free. Adventure Sail also offers a range of cruise and
sailing options, including visiting the beautiful Matakana Island.

The harbor is also great for
kayaking. A small number of companies offer kayak rentals, with rates beginning at 20 NZD for a half day, and 40 NZD for
a full day. Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is also popular, with rentals available at Mount Maunganui. Board hire for 30
minutes is from 15 NZD, with one hour from 25 NZD. A one hour lesson begins at 35 NZD.

National Jazz
Festival

This event, which has been running for over 50 years, takes place in Tauranga every Easter, featuring
dozens of live acts. Jazz artists come from around the country and the world to perform at the festival, where you can
enjoy great music alongside food and excellent local wine.

Food and Drink

If you're in need
of a caffeine fix, be sure to stop by Grindz, a funky cafe located on First Ave. With delicious food
and excellent coffee, it is open Monday through Saturday. Elizabeth Cafe & Larder is a cool new cafe-bar on
Cameron Road. Don't let it's office block location put you off, the food is great and the New Zealand wine even
better. Open daily. Mediterraneo Café on Devonport Road is also famous for its quality coffee, along
with myriad delicious lunch options. Stop by for a morning coffee or for a salad or sandwich for lunch. Open daily.

Fish and chips is practically the national dish, and you won't be disappointed by the delicious fare served
up at Fresh Fish Markets. The Markets is a local institution where you can enjoy your dinner on the tables by
the water's edge. Open 11am to 8pm daily, it is located on Dive Crescent.

If you're after a
romantic dinner setting, try Harbourside at the end of The Strand. Situated in a 100-year-old boathouse, the
location can't be beat, with lapping waves and a railway bridge stretching out into the harbor. Opening hours are
11:30am - 2:30pm and 5:30pm until late. For a special treat, swing by Somerset Cottage in Bethlehem.
The restaurant is the most awarded in the region, and for a good reason. With simple, seasonal and delicious food,
Somerset Cottage is sure to impress. Open for lunch Wednesday through Friday, and for dinner Monday through Saturday.

Established in 1989, Mills Reef Winery is one of the region's most popular wineries. Famous for
its Bordeaux varietal reds and Syrah, a stop at this winery is a must-do for many visitors to the region. The building
itself boasts Art Deco style architecture, and is set on beautiful sprawling grounds. Spend a lazy afternoon here
tasting different wines, or enjoy the amazing food from the restaurant. Located on Moffat Road in the suburb of
Bethlehem, the restaurant is open 7 days for brunch and lunch, and for dinner by reservation. The tasting room is open 7
days a week from 10am to 5pm.

Shopping

The main shopping mall is Bayfair, located in Mount
Maunganui. Most of the city's shopping centers are found in the suburbs, including Fraser Cove, Bethlehem Town
Center, Palm Beach Plaza, Fashion Island, Bay Central and Greerton Village. The city center is also a
great place for shopping, with plenty of boutique retail stores along with national chain stores.

Accommodation

Top-range

For modern rooms with private balconies and views of the bay,
Hotel On Devonport is located 10 minutes drive from Ocean Beach, and 1,148
feet from The Strand, on Devonport Road. Alternatively, Trinity Wharf Tauranga is a 4-star hotel
overlooking the harbor. With all the perks of a great hotel, it has a perfect location for exploring the town center, or
relaxing with a glass of wine in the evening looking over the harbor.

Mid-range

Harbour City
Motor Inn lies smack bang in the middle of Tauranga city, with all the extras you need, as well as spa baths in
each room. City Suites is a great option for self-contained rooms, with full kitchens, terraces or balconies,
and a swimming pool to boot. Situated on Cameron Road, the suites are a 10 minutes walk from the city center.
Roselands Motel is also close to the action, just a five minutes walk from the city center on Brown
Street. The motel has spacious rooms and friendly hosts in a quiet location. On the outskirts of town, try
Ambassador Motor Inn on Fifteenth Ave. In Mount Maunganui try the Mission Belle Motel on
Victoria Road for well-furnished, modern rooms, with great rooms for families.

Budget

Pacific Coast Lodge & Backpackers is a great option in Mount Maunganui when you want to be
near town as well as the beach. Bikes and surfboards are provided free of charge. Mount Backpackers, also in
Mount Maunganui, can't be beaten for location, close to both the beach and bars and restaurants. Take advantage of their
discounted surf lessons. Located on The Strand in the center of Tauranga city, Harbourside City Backpackers
boasts plenty of tidy rooms and a stunning roof terrace, perfect for hanging out on a summer's evening. If you're after
seasonal work, they can also put you in touch with local employers. If camping is your style, you can't go past Cosy
Corner Holiday Park right by the beach.

Getting Around

The bright yellow Bay Hopper
buses connect most areas within the city and surrounds. A fare to Mount Maunganui costs 3 NZD and takes 15 minutes. The
central stop is found on Wharf Street, and timetables are available from the i-SITE information center.

By car, the city is easy to navigate. You can hire rentals from a number of rental agencies in town and at the
airport. Taxis can be expensive (like most in New Zealand, with fares from the airport to the center of town costing
around 20 NZD.

Getting There

Tauranga airport is located 10 minutes drive from the city center,
and seven minutes from Mount Maunganui. National carrier, Air New Zealand and their operators offer flights to
Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Further information

Tauranga has a temperate -
subtropical climate. Summers can be hot and humid, with average daily temperatures of 59 °F. Winters are mild, with
temperatures ranging from 43 °F.

For further information on Tauranga, swing by the Tauranga i-SITE
Visitor Center on Willow Street in the center of the city.

Do you see any omissions, errors or want to add information to this page? Sign up.

Tauranga: Report errors or wrong information

Regular contributors may earn money from their contributions. If your contribution is significant, you may also register for an account to make the changes yourself to this page.
Error and suggested correctionEmailaddress (optional)
Your report will be reviewed and if correct implemented. Your emailaddress will not be used except for communication about this report if necessary. Thank you for your contribution.